Welcome to Salem United Church of Christ
Living Out God's Love
We are an open and affirming congregation, and our mission is to witness to the word and work of Jesus so all people may know the welcome of God, worship with joy, grow as disciples, live as servants, and enjoy the strength of Christian fellowship.
Mark your Calendars for Vacation Bible School
August 15-17, 5:45-7:45PM
All ages welcome
The VBS theme this year is "Come to the table!" Adults, youth, and children alike will learn and discuss the stories that reveal the generosity of God, the transforming power of Jesus' welcome, and offer a model for living and sharing God's hospitality with all people!
Salem Weekly News for July 23, 2021
HOW TO WELCOME YOUR NEW PASTOR
The sermon this coming Sunday will be the second in a series of three bringing Mark’s Verona ministry to a close. Last Sunday’s message – “My Hope for Salem’s Future” – charged the congregation to (1) remember its history, (2) be at peace with one another, (3) have realistic expectations, and (4) seek the kingdom of God by focusing on Jesus.
The subject this Sunday will be “How to Welcome Your New Pastor.” Much of Salem’s future depends, under God, on how well the congregation receives its new pastor, first the interim and then the permanent pastor who will be called to replace Mark in the pastoral office. The sermon will point to four lines of approach toward welcoming the new worker, and each of the four is important toward beginning the new pastoral relationship – from your side – in a way that is healthy and conducive to the church’s vitality in the months and years to come.
INTERIM PASTOR TO BE NAMED THIS SUNDAY
The name of the interim pastor selected to serve Salem will be announced in worship this Sunday and then in mailings to follow.
In the United Church of Christ, only permanent pastors are elected by the congregation. Interim pastors are selected by Church Councils in collaboration with the Association of which the church is a member, in our case the Southwest Association of the Wisconsin Conference. The next permanent pastor – not the interim – will be recommended to the congregation by a duly appointed Pastoral Search Committee and voted on by the congregation at a duly called Congregational Meeting.
But get ready and please be patient! This process is quite deliberate for good cause and cannot or should not be rushed. While interims can be selected rather quickly, discerning the right permanent pastor often takes congregations as much as a year and even more.
AUGUST 1
Mark’s last Sunday in the pulpit will be August 1. His sermon that day will be the third in a three-part farewell series. The last one is called “My Song of Grateful Praise” and will look back and give thanks.
The highlight of the service on that day will be the Farewell Liturgy used in the United Church of Christ to mark the end of a pastoral relationship. A representative from the Southwest Association’s Division on Church and Ministry will be present to lead us in this liturgy of ending. It will come near the end of the worship service, much like the Sacrament of Holy Communion or the Rite of Confirmation are near the end. Persons who have participated in this liturgy in the past have reported finding it to be both touching and meaningful.
An open house will be held beginning at the end of the worship service and continuing until 2 PM.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL . . . August 15, 16, 16; 5:45-7:45 PM
The theme for Salem’s VBS this year is “Come to the Table.” The key verse behind the theme is from John 6:35: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Each of the three nights will feature a different Bible story, but each story is one in which Jesus hosted people for a meal.
The evenings under this theme will begin with a community meal – a literal “coming to the table.” After the meal, children and youth will have an opportunity to enjoy projects, games, Bible stories, music, and more. Older youth and adults will be led in a discussion group by Cathy Kwilinski.
Come for the meal. Come for the program. Come for both the program and the meal. All ages are invited to participate! See either the July print or online newsletter (available at www.salemchurchverona.org) for more information.
Our Community
Whether you are looking to renew your relationship with God or just find friends to support you through good times and bad, Salem offers regular services, fellowship, outreach, community service, potluck programs, and musical groups to keep you coming back.
